The last time both countries reduced coal power simultaneously was during the 1973 oil crisis. The reductions in 2025 are estimated at 3.0 percent in India and 1.6 percent in China.
The analysis said the two giants expanded a record amount of green energy capacity last year, which was crucial to the decline. In India, mild weather and a general slowdown in demand growth also contributed.
It is considered too early to say whether this is just a blip in coal power generation, or whether the countries can continue to reduce their coal power. Both countries face major challenges, including issues with their electricity grids and the fact that they are still building many new coal-fired power plants.
“While many challenges remain, reducing their coal-fired power generation represents a historic shift that could lead to global emissions peaking,” writes analyst Lauri Myllyvirta.
